We Are Progressing Nicely Thank You

If you ask any college football head coach how he would want his season to play out if the .500 record was determined already I think they would want it to unfold much like Pat Narduzzi’s 2017 team is having their’s do this season.

And before you accuse me of jumping the gun to a break-even year I’ll say this: My head tells me we’ll be 5-7, my gut say 5-7 but my Pitt heart says 6-6. Sorry – can’t see any part of my body saying we’ll run the table for a 7-5 finish.Our season has certainly had its ups and downs – with the Downs having more dramatic outcomes than the Ups. We have beaten four teams on our schedule that we were pretty much ‘supposed’ to win against anyway. Using the latest polls (which have us currently at #71) to show what our opponents have been doing so far this year here is some info on our games to date.

Our wins include FCS Youngstown State by 7 points in OT, # 127 Rice by 32 points, # 78 Duke by 7 and just last week we bettered # 41 Virginia by 17 – giving us a 15.8 point margin of victory in those four games.

If you are looking for silver linings to this depressed season then take a look at the current rankings of the teams we lost to; #6 Penn State by 19 points, #9 OK State by 38, #29 Georgia Tech by 18, #48 Syracuse by 3 and then #19 NC State by 18. Those losses were by an average of 19.2 points.

So – armed with that esoteric knowledge what we know for sure is that we still stand at 4-5 on the year with three matches left to play. One of those games, on Nov 9th against the one-win #96 North Carolina, is at Heinz and should be, on paper at least, a victory for us.

But not so fast on that. Even though this is a horrible year for the 1-8 Tarheels they have always played us extremely hard and hold a definite edge in head-to-head games of 8-3 overall and 4-0 in ACC play. But that is the past and I’ll be pretty surprised if we don’t come out on top next Thursday night.

That means going into the end of the schedule we should be 5-5 when travelling to Blacksburg to play #14 VA Tech. Currently VT is 7-1 with their only loss coming from #5 Clemson. If you remember we lost a close 39-36 one to VT last season when their great QB Jarrod Evans torched us for 406 yards and 2 TDs.

Good news is that he’s graduated. Bad news is that his replacement, Josh Jackson, is playing even better QB for the Hokies than Evans did with his 2,32 yards and 13 TDs to 4 INTs. That adds up to a 153.9 passing efficiency and that effeciency success is what has been picking Pitt’s pass defense apart this year.

After VT it is back to Pittsburgh to face the now #11 Miami Hurricanes who have another QB playing well in Malik Rosier: 2071 yards, 17 TDs and 4 INT (144. 9 pass. eff.) but who also can tuck and run with the ball well.

Looking at those two future games and also back at how the Panthers have played over the last three games (and against NC if we get a win there) I have to say we do have a chance against either VT or Miami – slim, but a chance none the less because Pitt pulls an upset almost every season.

So let’s conservatively say we go 2-1 from here in and end up 6-6 and at .500 on the year. Hey, after a 1-2 start then a 2-5 record we have to be pretty happy with the prospect of a balanced W/L ledger when the dust settles.

Which is also why I think any HC who, given the same circumstances Pat Narduzzi has had, would be pretty satisfied with that. Even if those circumstances were tilted toward the negative by Narduzzi’s own actions.

Don’t jump the gun here – I agree 100% with Pat Narduzzi’s off the field work and decision-making. But at the same time I wonder if every other HC would have suspended his top four returning defenders, making two of them gone forever in SR NT Jeremiah Taleni and SR DE Rori Blair. Bear in mind though that some of those suspensions might have been a NCAA mandated loss of eligibility such as a failed NCAA required drug test.

But we fans don’t know that – each could also have been more minor issues that Narduzzi just decided to say “No More” to. Either way it crippled our defense and that sure showed up in the raw when we had to populate the starting D lineup with players of little or no game day experience in their 2017 positions but who are now growing into a better, more cohesive unit.

Right now we are at 4-5 and kind of sitting pretty given what could have happened. The fact that Narduzzi avoided a tanked two or three win season was due to beating opponents we felt were supposed to beat anyway when looking at the schedule in pre-season. Not to take anything away from those wins, but in any other season they would be rather ho-hum victories as opposed to their being season and reputation saving victories this year.

Narduzzi and his staff have done a pretty damned good job of damage control given the suspensions, early season injuries, and poor playing we had in the first half of this season. Let’s hope we keep building on that and get these young players something to hang their hats on for those long eight off season months before fall camp starts again.

That doesn’t have to mean getting a bowl bid or win either. In some ways I’d rather we end up the season at 6-6 (if possible) and stay home than go into a bowl game, lose it, and come out again under the .500 mark at 6-7 – which given HCPN’s track record in bowl games is entirely possible.

No. I say win next Thursday night and then take one of two to end the year and we’ll be OK closing out this year at 6-6.

Recruiting: It is no big secret that the consistent and highly successful college football programs have one or two game-changing players on the roster at all times. It helps to have one on offense and one on defense but the really better teams always have one or two of them to rely on for high production week in and week out, supported by good solid teammates in the starting 22 each season.

Right now Pitt has zero of these players onboard. It looks to me that we have no one on the roster who have shown they can play at that top-shelf level consistently and I suspect we have none currently in the pipeline either and that’s a pretty hard thing to overcome if you want to get double-digit wins and play championship football.

The loss of Kwantel Raines to West Virginia last night is nothing to be sneezed at because it’s another one of the highly recruited local kids who chose to attend and play ball at a school other than Pitt. There is a theme here and it isn’t good.

I’m not surprised with Raines’ decision alone but by the trend of what’s happening with Pitt’s recruiting in light of all the hype and energy that Narduzzi’s high-profile hire brought into this program back in 2015 and with the two eight win seasons he put together which are the best we’ve had in years. Even with the stars aligning like that, something we haven’t had at Pitt for some time, he still can’t get the best of the best kids from around this area on any sort of regular basis.

If you don’t think that’s a problem I think you’re looking at Pitt football with blue and gold blinders on. I really don’t get the posters on here who choose to ignore the impact of losing four-star players to other schools but who then turn around and praise some unsung 3-star kids apparently just because Narduzzi recruited them.

Is it because of that fact alone they think that those kids are going to be great? Or, on the other hand are they looking at his current recruits’ Power 5 offers (some with only one or two) and even then pooh-pooh losing a recruit who has 18 of them including some real powerhouse programs.

Well the way it works is usually the highly productive star players in college are the most highly-rated kids; not 100% of the time we know that, but we also know that the more of those you have on hand the better you will succeed….so let’s not play this game that Raines wasn’t a swing and miss for Pitt because he sure was.

Pitt fans – the best modern-day stretch of play we have had were the 27 wins over the 2008, ’09 and ’10 years with Dave Wannstedt. The reason for that was in the earlier three years between 2006-2008 he recruited 18 4* and one 5* HS players.

That’s 19 Blue Chip recruits who in turn gave us 9, 10 and 8 win seasons respectively. There is a cause and effect in recruiting and us wishing (fingers-crossed hoping more like) that all these 3* recruits are going to blossom into big program boosting producers is not the way championship programs are built.

Let’s not lie to ourselves here – Narduzzi has to do a much better job in the recruiting arena if we want to become a division, conference or national championship program under his coaching. That is the way it is; not rolling the dice and hoping that recruiting classes consisting of almost all 3* players are all going to play well above their rating levels.

Some will, most will not. That is why the more blue chip recruits you get the better the percentage of success will be. I’d rather 50% of a lot of 4* recruits play up to their rating level than 50% of all 3* kids… wouldn’t you? Right now the level of recruiting with this staff is below par and has to get better to meet their stated championship goals.

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173 thoughts on “We Are Progressing Nicely Thank You”

I think a 5-7 season is most likely. Yes, Pitt can never take a win for granted and that includes UNC … but I like its chances. I don’t however vs Miami and especially VT.

VT plays at Miami and GT, then comes home for Pitt … before a large, raucous crowd. If they lose the return home with a lot of resolve. The only hope is that Miami loses to VT and ND and has nothing to play for against Pitt (Miami is known to play down to its competition.)

Yes, the recruiting issue is disappointing with no definitive answer .. except to win games, I guess..

“We have no one on the roster who have shown they can play at that top-shelf level consistently and I suspect we have none currently in the pipeline either…”

That is a ridiculous statement.

How exactly do you know that no player on the roster will become a star. Aaron Donald wasn’t a star as a freshman. By the way, Weaver already has better first year stats and the season is not over. He will be top-shelf.

I believe there are around 70, yes 70 players on this team that are redshirt sophomores, sophomores, redshirt freshman or freshman. I can guarantee without a doubt that many will be come “top-shelf level consistently” for Pitt in the years to come.

SInce we do not know the reason for the kids being booted off the team, I am in no position to criticize the Duzz for having done so. Unless I am misreading what your wrote, Reed, I do not agree that he should have looked the other way at actions that he considered to be unacceptable.

I am impressed that the team has not given up on the season and “mailed it in” against Duke and UVA. That may be a tribute to the coaches—or to the character of the players. Or, most probably some of each.

Let’s get the win against UNC and then think about the next two games.

I agree mostly there Reed. I would add that PITT did get 5 top recruits from the WPIAL this year which is a solid number. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if 4 of them were in the top 10 WPIAL recruits. << Maybe all 5?

The level of talent is a little down this year outside Jurkovic and Raines but they are still really solid players in their own right.

When can judge Narduzzi going by the star rankings but I think we talked about that and they can’t trusted. so I think it’s too early to judge just what type of players HCPN is bringing into the program overall. So far this season there already looks like there are contributors.

Hopefully in the future PITT doesn’t take a graduation year and suspensions like they had to endure this year. Plus another new OC to boot.

This has been a disappointing season so far in regards to the won lost record but in my eyes it’s been the best you can do scenario for PITT. << with a chance 9 games into the season to still do something really special… ike

Taleni is playing for Kiffin so it was a Pitt specific punishment. Rori Blair is MIA so probably NCAA mandated.

Good article, Reed. The local recruiting is what it is at this point. Years of turnover at HC has hurt Pitt’s entrenchment locally. Plus, Walt Harris wasn’t really popular either. Any in-roads Wanny made, Graham crushed. Chryst’s strength wasn’t recruiting so while he may have been likable, he wasn’t one to change the WPIAL recruiting dynamic.

Winning is the only cure. WPIAL coaches appear to like Duzz. That’s a start. ND has established themselves during the coaching abyss. PSU will always have a presence. WVU’s connection to Raines is Dravon Henry, who was not a Pitt fan for whatever reason.

Hopefully, for the sake of Pitt, Duzz’s teams peak the next two seasons.

To me, there are can’t misses who can provide immediate help (Whitehead, D Johnson, Boyd, Wade and probably Raines) who are the blue chips. And then, there are 4 -stars who have the potential to be stars (Watts, Hamlin, Hall, Biznowaty and hopefully Pugh). These guys have the physical traits to be impact players after some mental and physical growth.

But one big thing you have to realize … it is easier for a WR or RB who rely on instincts more than strength or wisdom to make an immediate impact that it is for an OL, DL, LB or QB. The linemen often have to face players that are even bigger and stronger than they are .. and they also have to learn techniques instead of just overwhelming the opponent.

Pitt has had its share of high quality RB’s, Wide receivers and lineman, offensive and defensive ove the past 15 years. However, why no highly QB’s other than Peterman, and maybe Palko, in the past 15 years?

We really are due for a win against the Heels but it won’t be a gimme.

Losing the last 2 games if the year is expected ( I anticipated a blowout at Clemson last year.) That being said- it’s how we lose that will mean a lot going forward— if both games are great battles and we come up short then confidence in these young cubs will continue to build, true leaders will evolve and our coaching staff especially the CEO will have done a fairly remarkable job and is growing into his position.

If we beat the Heels and pull an upset in either of the
Last 2 games- that would be icing on th cake for me. Maybe we get another Annapolis “pub crawl” led by our fearless leader.

On last thread I mentioned donating to my University which ranks dead last in the ACC- not surprising considering the disconnect that has been perpetuated over several generation. Restoring the chorus to the Pitt Victory Song and yes, I am in the group who wanted the original/ unique PITT mustard colors- which is called Autumn Gold- how appropriate is that- I will leave it at that..you want my money that I have expended my life’s heartbeats to earn – then my opinions and suggestions should be taken seriously.

If the administration want to get out of the ACC donation basement…be better listeners!

Here is another example of a disconnect…. you have all seen the PITT locker room celebration with the players doing the chant- I hope you all recognize that as the chorus of the Pitt Victory Song which has been omitted because kids sang Penn State Sucks which has a totally different meaning than Sandusky Sucks….. Last year I asked Gallagher to restore the missing chorus to the song.. restore tradition the small things that connect us to our past… He replied “I didn’t know it was missing” and made no further conversation but moved on to politic ….

That we have 4 stars whom some predict stardom belies the same people claiming that 3 stars are good enough to be stars and we don’t need 4 stars. Our recruiting has been mediocre for a while. Pointing to Wannie recruiting risk players is not exactly a good comparison unless you want to take on potential discipline problems. This would seem to go opposite of your long and often stated desire to avoid these potential problems. Which is it Reed? I know it frosts you that Taleni was booted but if he weren’t from the island how would you feel?
The four players PN booted or suspended let their team mates down – not exactly rousing endorsements of what value they would have had to the team. We are weathering the storm of inexperience and next year – who knows?
I AM WITH YOU BIG B. Put it back Heather.

Totally agree Reed. This recruiting trend is getting worrisome and old. Pitt is striking out too much with the best local talent, but I hope he can find success down south. If only Wanny and staff was better on game days. What could have been….

NRS, when you put it that way it does sound like it’s shallow on the surface but dive in a little deeper. Now I’m not saying it will help in recruiting at least not directly for sure…. but, not so fast

Here’s an alumni and bigger donor than me who’s suggesting he would throw even more money at the university for his thoughts on the subject. What could help PITT recruiting more than money?

Plenty other BigB’s out there as well. << You know the ones? The ones steve alienated with all his PITT football killing ideas.

PITT continues to shoot themselves in the foot. I’ll bet the PITT rifle team really sucks…

it looks like 5-7 finish to me, but Miami may be an upset possibility. I see a lot of rising talent on this young team. Weaver is getting better & better, as is Watts & Dane Jackson. Did you see Demarri Mathis cover a receiver like a blanket in the Virginia game & yes he turned his head to look for the ball? He should be playing a lot more now that Maddox is out. Plus I really like what we saw in Pickett. He has to be the guy for next year

BTW: Matt Flanagan is an excellent football player. Too bad we only had him for this year.

notrocket..dig deeper my friend…I am not talking about PSU sucks..I am speaking of the Administration restoring something they took from the fan and our tradition (we have few if any) THey want money which is sitting in pockets but what I would like (and you don’t have to agree) are simple things…

Someone mentioned seeing Heather at the Duke tailgate and described the differences in the contact contrasting Pederson, Barnes and Heather…our POVer said ” Heather looks at you.” That might be a good start..maybe we have her to the POV golf tournament and talk.awhile… heart to heart.

.A little history,.Mike Gottfried was the coach who changed the classics Marino/Dorsett look to Mountaineer Yellow…had to throw that back to ya….maybe we go to an all EER yellow and have a “Yellow out!!!!” The place will look packed.

Hey, coming home for next Thurdays tailgate and game. Bringing Greg Sasser/Frank Nixon and their brides with me. I have known these guys for 30 years and before PITT became an ACC member they had me to Chapel Hill on many a fall afternoon for a tailgate and game….These 2 Heels went through kindergarten through UNC together..Frank and Greg always have a great tailgate in Chapel Hill…that’s where Dr. Topm and myself had our 1st date…..they will expect some POVers to attend their party in North Carolina next year when Pitt rolls into town.

I’m not going to stand on my soap box but it sounds to me that the football donation will go up at least $10.000 if PITT using Autumn Gold and whatever the hell the blue is called. Which is 10 X my meager donation $1,000 << Which is through tickets no less.

but I would throw in a couple extra bucks if the PITT administration would open their eyes and ears. ike

…my God, at least come out and say there is a study being done and a freaking 5 to 20 year plan. It is ridiculous that there is no plan made public. Ask Heather that! What happens when the deal is up with the Steelers or did they sell their soul to the devil and can’t get it back?

Here is what PSU announced.

“The overall plan will be executed in four five-year increments, and Beaver Stadium’s renovations are expected to take between three and four years. There is no set date for when the refurbishment will begin or be completed.

They did not commit to a date but low and behold they have a freaking plan to get people excited and warn them they will be asking for additional money. “expected” “no set date”

Narduzzi can not keep missing on WPIAL top guys and turn this program around. What about the buck stops here? Yes, there are a lot of factors that go into recruiting and Pitt negatives, but the top guy is not getting it done and Raines is not only one guy, there were many last year and there is that QB for next year.

Quit making excuses for Narduzzi. They may have had Henry, but we have Dorsett, and Ditka, two HOF guys and Revis soon to be HOF. Not to mention, Whitehead, Hamlin and Ford.

Not being arrogant – just curious. What do you propose to make this happen?
Jurkovec is a great example. He’s a ND fan for his whole life. No one else had a chance. You can’t win them all. It wasn’t like PN and staff didn’t go all out. I mean if the kid doesn’t like the school, atmosphere, etc. then it doesn’t matter who the coach is. I’ve not heard negative words being thrown around by players/recruits and HS coaches. It seems PN is well-liked and respected. You can tell he has made a connection with a lot of kids who haven’t come to Pitt too. I think players and coaches see he is a genuine guy. But he’s up against a tall task.
It’s not everyday where you can sell someone a Kia over a BMW or Benz.

Funny – I hear the same things… lots of excuses why but not one real and verified reason. Maybe these kids and their parents don’t care all that much for the current coaching staff… But that would go against what too many people believe about Narduzzi.

Seriously, If you were the parent of a possibly NFL-bound great HS Safety or Linebacker (or any Defender) would you want the main coach in your kid’s development to be Josh Conklin and Pitt’s D position coaches???

Here’s another excuse gc, steve nearly ruined the football program with his narcissistic stupidity and the football program is trying to dig their way out of it. It may take more time, let’s practice a little understanding…. or not. . . .ike

Raines was a big miss. Two or three good catches will help us forget that miss.

The #1 LB recruit in PA is going to psu – I’ve seen him play in person and he’s not very impressive. He was rated a 3 star until the nitters received his verbal commitment. Almost immediately following his verbal, his rating was raised to a 4 star.

Not real happy losing recruit. Guess I look at it like the pros. If you don’t get the player you need via the draft(high school signees) you go get them in free agency ( grad transfer). We might not get 5*s out of high school but a solid grad transfercan help. Hit or miss either way, but should have a better track record to go on with grad transfer.
I see this as a legitimate recruiting method. Not the preferred route, but one in which we can be a leader. Don’t want to make a living doing it, but supplement.

Not concerned over the recruit selecting WV. Just how does this all world player end up at WVU? Maybe $$$, or just wanted to please his dad, who knows. But Pitt is getting good recruits who will play at a good level. Pitt will be a top 25 team next year. Pitt is making strides here but it just isn’t happening as fast as some hope. Narduzzi knows what he has and what the real development time is. Pitt will be better on D and Pitt has some really nice talent ready to go on offense. Year 4 will be a good year. Harbaugh is going through the same process. Only he had some big time talent to work with when he got there. It takes time to transition from what you have when arriving and actually recruiting a developing talent that you recruit. No one saw Hall looking like that vs Duke and VA. Players get needed experience and then things happen.

Nard has to do better but assuming recruits go to play ball not for academics and the experience of going to school with other bright people in an exciting urban area then it comes down to things like winning records and the game day experience when they visit. Face it at WVCC and land of the child molestors they pack the stands and it is more exciting . This versus 5K of us in the rain watching Pitt on a cold day with yellow seats the choice is a no brainer. Sad to say so the only way is to WIN WIN WIN. Gotta keep pluggin. That and bring back the whole Victory Song. P-E-N-N S-T SUCKS!!!
We should support Raines and buy him a coloring book and crayons for the beginning of classes at WVCC.

Notrocket… your last post is what I was I was talking about.. you say OCS… I mention unis and fight song.. you speak of big things that show big time commitment and money while I speak of small things that are sentimental and tradition… we both are saying the same thing… We would like the
powers to acknowledge they hear us ( potential donors) and our opinions matter… that my
friend is the disconnect I am speaking about…the money is in the wallets I think the leaders at Pitt need to get a plan – as you said….most people won’t throw good money into a sketchy business plan…

I filled out season ticket survey. It is from the ACC I think.
I did not send it because I did not want to get blamed for getting us kicked out of the conference.
I only bought the season tickets 5 years ago because of attendance.
I had to do something instead of complaining.
It is hard to really blame anyone if they do not go to the games.
Heinz field is Steeler built cheap dump.
I really do care about the team.

I filled out my survey and sent it in. I may be a big moron, but I don’t think PITT advertises their season and game tix enough or very well. I really enjoy going to the games and think Pitt FB is the best sports entertainment value in Pittsburgh . There has to be a way to get that message out there.

Pittpt:
I agree.
It is poorly marketed and is a good deal.
That being said they need to put in a lot of work because after last Saturday we are about to hit bottom.
It is really starting to hurt recruiting

I hope I’m wrong, I would bet no better than 25K for NC. They’re not playing for much. I will also be there.

A precedent was set for the Thursday night game against VT last year. It was a bit chilly and damp. However Pitt was still in solid position to take the Coastal and needed wins against VT and Miami. Announced attendance was just over 40K. Given my recollection and what I have witnessed of the reported numbers I would guess no more than 30K actually attended that VT game. Sad.

To those who are worried about the words used in the fight song by students you miss the point. It isn’t whether you like it or dislike it, I am not a fellow PC police for those offended I admit, the point is self censorship of a sacred part of the Pitt experience. The song existed before the chant. But our administration has decided to cut out part of the music of the song due to pressure I am sure from the Peds (Ed Sullivan wanted to change lets spend the night together to” time” together – Stones said no and played the whole song as written musically and lyrically). Remember the stadium announcer fired because WVCC fans didn’t like “EIEIO” jokes, perhaps you were offended by the harmless jokes that I thought funny. Does this stop them from chanting “Eat S*** Pitt” – no. This stuff is part of Pitt’s tradition and a part of game day tradition. Pitt always censors itself, it is never reciprocated. Imagine if Ped State or WVCC had a fight song that some fans sang different words to – do you think they would delete part of the music. Hahaha get off the crack..
GO BIG B!!!! Get all the notes back in as written and performed for years..
Speaking of band music the Pitt band seems to have even more complicated march formations this year – good job band members. I missed the half time show this past game to walk around and try to thaw out. We need an OCS,, do something rare BOT and think ahead.
HAIL TO PITT (hope that does not offend PC police – UPItt come back!)

According to Rivals a three star is rated 5.7 and a four star is 5.8. Unless there is some unknown huge factor that makes the difference between the two, to me it is a meaningless difference. We have 6 Rivals 5.7 recruits so far for 2018.

from 2002 to 2006, I had as many as 5 sideline season tickets … visitors side on 35 yd line .. for something like $150 each. Thought it was a great bargain. (had to give them up because my job took me out of town) Returned a year later and again had season tickets until I had to leave again in 2010. But still had a 3 game package while living up here on North Coast. Hope to retire to Pgh and again get full season tickets next year.

I’m saying all of this because I’m not even a Pitt alum …. but I bet I’m more of a Pitt fan than at least 85% of the alums (including a few good friends of mine). They would rather go to Steelers game.

I’m not sure what the solution is. Even getting its own stadium, it wouldn’t happen for a long while. It’s frustrating … and it’s not likely to get much better soon.

What are the missing words to the fight song chorus, specifically?
I know there is a lot of ire directed at Steve P, and I agree he’s made some questionable decisions. But I’m hindsight I also question whether he ‘destroyed the program’. Seems to me we had a long string of 2 and 3 win seasons before Steve P came in and hired Walt Harris. Since then we have been a more or less .500 program with some flashes of brilliance. Seems like an upgrade to me.
I agree that as Pitt fans who really care about this program, we should all be donating to the program. Some of us undoubtably do. I will be honest, I do not. But I will also be frank in saying that the program has done a REALLY poor job of telling me I should be donating. I.e. Asking me for money. I’ve not received one email, not one mailer (except those that are asking me to buy tickets) not one phone call. We are not wealthy but I could easily send the program $100 or $200 a year. I everybody on this blog did that (who currently don’t) I believe our program would be in a much better place, at least financially.

Nice post Atlanta Panther you pretty much have hit the nail on the head. I to am just a Pittsburgh fan been that way all my life. There is some history to why the fight song changed a lot of it had to do with a group of fans and alumni meeting with Pitt folks after that clown out east showed us little respect,the thinking was why include them in our heritage. They still suck but why put that in our fight song. As I said I am a fan not an alumni annd I do contribute just because I love Pitt. the doctor bone

IMO Steve Pederson and Johnny Majors’ Pitt legacies are very similar. Both were excellent in their initial stint, and sucked their second stints.

At least Majors’ 2nd turn was only a few years and he realized he was over his head; however, Stevie should have been shown the door after his 2010-1 debacle … and especially when Fraud left town. When a coach is paid much more than the intended budget, and then abruptly leaves … Nordy should have known that SP’s talent for hiring good coaches ended with Walt and Ben. His subsequent hirings at both Nebraska and Pitt were incredibly lame.

wwb, totally agree wwb, SP and UPMC saved Pitt Football with the SouthSide training facility. At the time, Pitt’s facilities, Fitzgerald and Pitt Stadium, were a complete deterrent to recruiting. While many still lament the loss of Pitt Stadium, they tend to forget the environment at the time.

Bringing SP and JM back were two extremely poor decisions. But I do wonder how much of SP’s poor hiring decisions were caused by poor budgets and 30 years of failure.

I too am just a fan and not an alum. My alma mater, Youngstown State went big in hiring a university president in Tressel and football coach in Pallini. Tressel has really done a lot to improve facilities and campus life at YSU, but Pallini has lost this years team after being in the championship game a year ago. Penguins started the season ranked near the top of FCS, last week got blasted 35-0 on homecoming and are in a tailspin. Still, both names have put YSU on the map and the marketing of the school is at an all time high and money is pouring in. Pitt could easily do the same, when I drive to Pittsburgh Airport I see a ysu billboard, when I drive around Youngstown I see Kent and Penn State billboards. Would it kill Pitt to put up some billboards in NE Ohio? When I go to the mall I can buy Penn State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State Gear easily……Pitt Gear???zilch. Again, self inflicted. It doesn’t take much effort to expand the brand. Heck, our head coach and current best running back are both from Youngstown- Pitt recruits Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Warren, and Youngstown. Whoever is in charge of community outreach and marketing at Pitt needs to be shown the door. Instagram posts, twitter and YouTube are great ways to brand your product but you need actual physical objects too. I can’t tell you how many times folks around town have asked me where I got my Pitt stuff because they can’t find any in a store. Bottom line….the customers and donors are out there, but you have to put forth SOME effort to get them.

We need to separate out the causes of Pitt’s recruiting weaknesses. It wasn’t recruiting budgets that caused Duzz to miss on Raines. The problem is in closing the deal. Pitt seems to end up on many players’ top 5 lists, but few of the good ones come to Pitt. Heather should take an in-depth look at the recruiting budgets, tools, alum support, methods used and every aspect of recruiting to see if there is something missing. Is each assistant coach carrying his share of the load? Are they casting a wide enough net? Something must be done to get more of the local talent and to expand into uncharted areas..

I fully believe that the (minimum) 25,000 yellow empty seats at every home game is the main factor. These top recruits go to Happy Valley or Morgantown, and see the full stadiums and the atmosphere, then they come to Heinz or see the yellow seats on TV … it has to have a big effect.

I remember both Terrell Pryor and Donovan Jeter saying/tweeting as such.

the coaching instability would also be a factor. Don’t let anybody fool you … it wouldn’t surprise me at all if rival recruiters would drop subtle comments like …. Narduzzi is a pretty good guy but how much longer will he be at Pitt. PSU has had 3 coaches in the last 50 years, WVU has had 4 in the last 40. Pitt has had 4 coaches in the last 7 (and didn’t even count Heywood)

@Atlanta Panther – A .500 team is an upgrade from 2-10, 3-9, while true is cherry picking from teams that were 10-2 and 11-1. Your argument fails to consider that. In fact, your argument fails to consider that Pitt as an all-time record had a winning percentage over .600 before the 30 lost years of the late 80’s, 90’s and 00’s. I think those records put us down into an all time winning percentage of .565, ish.

Where we lose out is that Pitt had an opportunity to be a top 15 all-time winning football program had we not allowed incompetence to rule the program. Imagine where we would be with 2 extra wins per year for the last 30 years. Excluding the 4 Ivies, we would be ranked….12 in all time wins! We are still top 30, but got passed by a lot of programs that have no business passing us other than COMMITTMENT. Now you know why it is painful to discuss. That is how you recruit better too.

You will see a big story about an OSU 4 or 5 star bball recruit who committed to and registered for one class at OSU. OSU then fires head coach late and the ncaa is making the kid sit out this year. Kids go to programs based on coaches, not academics. You all might continue to bash me about our academics and Reed will say that many come here in large part because of academics, but the reality is that those same kids are 2-3 star kids saying that. 4 and 5 stars come for coaches, atmosphere, and putting them into the league. We are average for the first one so far, well below average on the second and below average on the last one, although last year was better!

After I predicted we would win 2 of the next 3, I was out for a medical issue. I was wrong. I think they will win a 3rd in a row next week.

All are good reasons for the recruiting deficiencies, but most players come to a school because of the head coach. I just heard a Barry Switzer interview on AT&T where he said the same thing. The assistants generally scout and identify the players but the head coach closes the deal. Assistant coach turnover plays a big part, and this is where the budget issues hit hard. The OC changeovers must have hurt Pitt’s ability to recruit a top notch QB. Heather needs to pay the assistant coaches to cut down on turnover, so that when Pitt hires a good coach like Canada who is on the street looking and will take anything, they can then pay him if it works out.

so great to see that so many fans arent even alum. I bet over 40% here dont have a degree from Pitt but support the school or at least the football program anyway. Always intrigues me how one creates an attachment to schools. Mine was formed at an early age with Dorsett. If Dorsett had gone to Penn State, I would probably have begun following them. Instead I stuck with Pitt and it did influence my college decision. So when the choice came between Pitt and Penn State, it was easy.

For me, it was going to Pitt-Penn State in State College when Pitt nearly beat #1 PSU, I think it was 1999??? Then going to a game at Pitt stadium sealed the deal. During that time I was able to see Larry Fitzgerald, LaSean McCoy, Darrel Revis, and my favorite player to watch Tyler Palko. Yes, there have been frustration and heartbreak (Cincy game the worst of all), but I truly am hooked and want to see this program get to where Wanny and Walt almost had it. I truly believe Narduzzi can do that if we give him time and the administration gives him the budget. UNC game is a chance on national tv to get to 5-5 and set up momentum for two huge final 2 games. Win one and get a bowl and I would consider this a successful season given what happened in August and September.

Someone earlier posted about donating to the university…I know I give a little each year..I spend money going to games and making flags/magnets to give away to fans..spread the love…but what if everyone on the POV could give one or 2 hundred bucks extra…Reed knows the numbers of people reading and posting..but if there are 1000 people enjoying this site and love PITT football ..I would think all who are financially able would support the cause with a $100 gift- Reed would know the potential of the viewership’s giving potential…

Maybe the POV could raise money and some eyebrows in the front office … Heather or Pat Gallagher could give us a plan going forward and they could hear from this group…if they were smart they would check in time to time. Just my thoughts…we are all in this together’

This is not a brag, just some facts. I buy two club season tickets every year for a while now and here in order is the reason why.

I only go to games with my wife. She’s a trooper but the weather can be any where between 85 degrees to in the 20’s. Many games I continue to watch while she sits in comfort in the club. That is the number one reason

The amenities. Smaller lines for food, drink and a place to get rid of the food and drink. << I think the restrooms are a little cleaner as well.

I feel in my heart I should give something back to the school I love and this is the best way for me to do that.

That said I am considered a donor but I don’t know where the money goes specifically?

I like BigB’s idea and I would throw in a few more bucks. This is a good and big group and still growing on the POV and what would be better than to use the numbers here at POV and make an impact with PITT football? Obviously we are all PITT fans true and blue and gold. Let’s go PITT . . .ike

Well, I would say PSU and ND are blue blood programs that are pretty well stocked. They lose some, and have a bunch waiting. UCF, from what I see, is very young and will have a ton of starters back, especially in the skill positions. Then we get a rising Wake program at Wake. Plus VT, and Miami, Just can’t see more than 7. OOC of PSU, ND, and UCF (on road) is just plain nuts.

I got my undergrad at Richmond (Go Spiders!), who will visit Heinz Field in 2020.
On that day, I will still be rooting for Pitt.

People down here wonder why I am not a UR FB season ticket holder. I have to explain it on almost a weekly basis each fall… that I was hooked as a teen during the Johnny Majors era. Card carrying Panther Club member to boot.

If there is a collective desire to increase participation or donation levels to the FB program while flagging them a POV related, I’m game.

Whatever happened to the Pitt Golden Panthers? Were they disbanded? Most successful programs have an outside fundraising organization like this. The key is to avoid over involved members from breaking the rules.

Thanks for posting the future OOC through ‘25…. looks like some great road trips… if I’m still kickin… WVU, ND will be sellouts and we were developing a bit of a rivalry
with Cinncy before departing the Big East.

Hey Bernie…I like the idea of pitching in extra with one large donation. All we ask is 30 minutes to meet with Heather. We could revive the Golden Panthers with the color you prefer….The Mustard Panthers.

Don’t know about Miles Sanders. Maybe he is in the running for the Robert Foster Award. –
Bob Heddleston of Golden Panthers was convicted of accepting kickbacks in his Golden Panther position. One reason they are no more.
Reed for bag man, he is honest and will not abscond with donations. His code name – Inoke -rkb

I would rethink PSU for next year. Barkley is a great player, but they will return quite a bit, and McSorley as well. O line and d line back. Nice receivers, plus a boat load of 4-5* talent. They won’t be as good as this year, but not fearing The is whistling thru the graveyard. If we are improving, I see no reason they won’t either.

I think the common bond and theme we all share is a love for our team, a desire to achieve excellence on the field of play and a willingness to help..I think all, if able, would give more if the Administration realized this is a symbiotic relationship of sorts…2 different entities dependent on each other. Neither group is doing what needs to be done..it starts out with leadership and a plan of action to get the ball rolling.

What started me thinking along these lines is a couple of numbers reed through-out when we needed disciplining for language on the POV…he knows the numbers of regulars who are networked through this specific social media..if its 1000 or 2000 people giving 100-200 bucks…well, $100,000. to $400,000 ought to raise some eyebrows…just something to chew on.

Looking back to 1972 or 73 when Johnny Majors came to PITT, he had a plan and hit the ground running. He wanted students involved and personally contacted student groups. He rallied the support of the community behind him following a long period of futile PITT football. He brought the look Script and Mustard, he brought in recruits and turned them into winners……Times have changed and we have a lot of past mistakes to overcome but the Admin needs a plan and it must involve us, their most loyal fans.

while I am at it..in the ole days student sat on the sidelines not in the f-in endzone…no wonder they leave early, drink fantas and think Sweet Caroline is a Fight song-endzone seats can mess with your head..It’s their university and their team..they and their parents are supporting PITT jobs by chosing PITT to spend their hard earned cash on tuition…The kids deserve better seats…get your act together Administration.

I was at Pitt 1988-92, and the students sat in the corner — not on the sidelines. Not sure if it was different prior to then.

Also, did you see how many students showed up to support the team last week. I bet there were more people on this blog that attended the game than students in total. Maybe give the students that attended last week a shot at sideline seats, but the rest of them (who only show up for warm weather games) can sit in the corner and end zone. Also, if you leave after Sweet Caroline, or at the end of the 3rd quarter, offer is rescinded!

By losing Barkley alone they will not be as good. But overall, team wise they will improve. The best players on both lines are the young guys. They have two very good qbs who will only get better. And they have some high quality young talent who will also improve. So, record wise they may not be better, but the team overall will be better. Losing the best player in the college game will hurt them, but overall, they will improve, but won’t translate to w/l.

Ike all that’s true BUT keep in mind almost all their recruits are 4 stars for the past few years. They may be very close to reloading their roster much like Alabama and Ohio State has done in the past 5 years. Their 4 stars may turn into 2 stars but right now I’d prefer to reload with their recruits than our recruits at this point in time.

Our out of conference scheduling is ridiculous. You don’t get Brownie points for scheduling top 10 teams back to back ooc. Which we did. This is insane scheduling
OOC and those high profile teams don’t appreciably increase attendance as was assumed by the media types. ( yep Reed your boys) who were pimping for ridiculous scheduling. IMHO.

Its Heathers job to raise money. She should have the e-mails on everyone who posts on any Pitt forum. If she doesnt, she is not doing her job. If needed I’ll make a call to Putin myself. He was able to get Hillary’s.

UCF = 1 star city. Or, are those florida one stars, pa 3 stars? They have a big game against austin peay this week, lol.

Foster hassn’t played the last two games. Big Mistake for him to leave, although once gone, i wish him well. He will have two championship rings after this year to show for it. He bought the playing time Saban promised him to stick around this year and got burned.

Sanders, same gig. He will battle with other RB’s next year to see who takes the carries. I think they turn into more passing next year, with Tracie.

At this stage in our development, we have to realize that progress will most likely be made gradually, but steadily. How can it be otherwise after the carousel of changes that have nearly destroyed our program? Establishing stability is key. Winning is the key to stability. Young kids and their parents want, and need, to know that their kids will come to a place that can offer them those things, and much much more. I believe that we are making that steady climb, and the fact that we have had to overcome so much adversity this year and have, in spite of all that, begun to turn things around for the better, will reflect well on us in the not-so-distant future. We have to continue to make smart choices and project our strengths out into the community and the country. We must reiterate that the Pitt has not only produced past legends, but legends in the making. How many present NFL players graduated from Pitt? Quite a few! As fans, I believe that we must be passionate as always about our team but, at the same time, we must not stoop to a dishonorable level of incivility, with respect to other programs. We must project to the world that we, the University of Pittsburgh, have class, dignity and noble purpose. In life, how much else really matters?

Well written. I believe there is a marketing strategy wrapped up in your comments that Heather could use. We need to do a better job of telling the Pitt story.

The game day intro video is a great start – talk about the most recent HOF inductees who were Pitt players and add in the stars from Pitt in the current day NFL (Fitz, Shady, A.Donald, Conner, J.Shear, D.Lewis, Revis). Put in highlights of last year’s Pitt victories over psu and clemscum. Show clips from all of QH’s TD returns, O’Neill TD’s and Weah.

Get that in the newspapers with a weeklong series telling the story. Develop the story for an “infomercial” to be aired numerous times on a local tv channel (pay for numerous time slots).